Way In Network 30th Anniversary Charity Ball - Speech from the Hon. Mark Coure MP

I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. In doing so, I pay my respects to their elders—past, present and emerging.

Ladies and gentlemen.

It is a great pleasure to be with you all this evening celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Way In Network.

Unfortunately, the Premier is unable to be here with us today. However, he sends his best wishes to everyone and a massive congratulation for putting on such an incredible event.

Each of you have worked tirelessly over the past 30 years with the goal to give back–and that is what I want to talk about tonight. Your giving spirit and charitable nature has left an indelible mark on our community here in New South Wales.

The Honourable Sham-Ho formed the Way In Network in 1992 with a heart to help migrant women settle in Australia. The past 30 years have shown how generosity and compassion can gift a lifelong legacy that strengthens our state for the better. While your members continue this worthy work, the Network’s key purpose this evening is to raise funds to help those in need in Australia and overseas.

I must congratulate everyone this evening for what has been an astonishingly successful outcome so far. To date, we have raised more than $3.65 million …More than $3.65 million! … That’s extraordinary. The work that you do to help our local communities push through the difficult moments and grow more resilient than before does not go unnoticed.

I am sure we would all agree that the past two years have been incredibly tough. We’ve seen devastating bushfires, a global pandemic, and unprecedented floods. Whether providing flood relief, welfare assistance or helping victims of international disasters, your overwhelming display of humanity and kindness is valued.

And of course, with the generosity of many of you in this room, I know Way In will continue to deliver these essential resources to the 14 very worthy beneficiary organisations. Clearly, the success of the Way in Network is a result of the talents, skills and hard work of its leaders and members. Many of you are all at the heart of what makes our local communities great.

Particularly as you share your unique vision for what our communities should look like, not just for today, but for the future. Thank you for continuing to support and uplift our local communities. Because your work leaves an enduring impact that takes our great state to new heights.

I want to take a moment to spotlight two special initiatives run by the Way In Network. First, I commend you on your efforts with the Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation. One in 23 Australian women are at the risk of being diagnosed with gynaecological cancer. Your partnership to create a post-doctoral fellowship grant that furthers research into this space is a testament to your community spirit,

When there is a problem, you don’t stand on the sidelines. Instead, you show your selflessness, compassion, charity, and resilience. Whether it was in your own community or one far away, you put the needs of others above your own. You do what you can to help women overcome challenges – together.

As Minister for Seniors, I also commend Way In for its kindness in holding its annual Elderly Luncheon in Chinatown, which I hear is usually attended by about 350 senior members of the community. Of course, as Minister for Multiculturalism, I often talk about the success of New South Wales as a multicultural society.

But as I told the Premier’s Harmony Dinner last month – and this is important and worth repeating – what we have here in our State goes beyond the ordinary definition of success. We set an example to the rest of the world for how such diverse communities can live together harmoniously. More than anything, this is because we all value the hope and opportunity that our country has to offer.

But while many of us have come to New South Wales to start a new life, what I truly believe makes us a multicultural success story is that no matter who we are, where we come from, or what language we speak, we all want to give back. And a perfect example of that is each and every one of you in this room tonight.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you again for your giving spirit and thank you to the Way In Network for inviting me to take part in your 30th Anniversary Charity Ball.

You should all be proud of your incredible efforts and I wish you every success for the future.